The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced on Mar. 12 the winners and finalists of the 2026 Governor’s Texas Environmental Excellence Awards, which recognize individuals, organizations, and communities for their efforts in environmental preservation across Texas.
These annual awards highlight projects that focus on sustainability, pollution prevention, energy efficiency, and educational initiatives. The winners and finalists will be honored at an awards banquet scheduled for June 9 at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. According to TCEQ, these awards aim to inspire others to become better stewards of the environment in their communities.
This year’s honorees include Katie Lewis, Ph.D., from Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Lubbock for her work in sustainable agricultural practices; City of Snyder and Keep Snyder Beautiful for community improvement; Austin Youth River Watch for educational programming; Erica Jazmin Villarreal as Environmental Educator of the Year; Neil Kucera, Ph.D., for individual contributions; Austin FC/Q2 Stadium for innovative operations; PepsiCo Global Concentrate Solutions for pollution prevention; Texas Disposal Systems and partners for technical innovation; and Coppell High School Eco Club in the youth category. Finalists were also recognized across each category.
The Texas Department of Environmental Quality conducts its main administrative operations at its Austin headquarters on Park 35 Circle, with regional offices spread throughout Texas for environmental oversight, according to the official website. The agency employs about 2,800 staff operating from its central office in Austin and 16 regional offices across Texas according to the official website.
The department aims to protect Texas by reducing and preventing pollution while promoting clean air, clean water and safe waste management aligned with sustainable economic development according to the official website. Its statewide presence through regional offices influences environmental regulation across air emissions, water pollution, waste disposal and petroleum storage oversight according to the official website.
Since its inception in 1993, more than 300 projects have been honored by these awards. TCEQ said it congratulates this year’s recipients: “TCEQ would like to congratulate this year’s winners and finalists; the full list can be found at www.TEEA.org.”
